Instagram marketing tips for hair salons

Instagram and hair salons are a perfect match. It's a visual platform, and hair is a visual service. Yet most salons post inconsistently, get minimal engagement, and wonder why Instagram "doesn't work."

Let's change that.

Optimize your profile first

Before worrying about content, nail your profile basics:

Username: Easy to find and remember

• Good: @hairbysarah_auckland

• Bad: @xXsarahstylesXx2003

Name field: Include searchable terms

• Good: "Sarah | Auckland Hair Stylist"

• This shows up in search, so use keywords clients might search

Bio formula:

• What you do + who you serve

• Your location

• Call to action

• Booking link

Example: "Colour specialist for busy professionals 📍 Ponsonby, Auckland ✨ Book your transformation below 👇 [booking link]"

Content that converts

Not all content is created equal. Here's what actually drives bookings:

1. Before and after transformations

These are your bread and butter. Tips:

• Same lighting for both photos

• Similar angle and pose

• Show the most dramatic difference

• Get client permission (in writing)

Caption template: "From [before description] to [after description]. [Client name] wanted [goal], so we [technique]. Swipe to see the process! Ready for your transformation? Link in bio to book."

2. Behind the scenes

Clients love seeing the process:

• Mixing custom colour

• Foil placement

• Your setup routine

• Product organization

This builds trust and shows your expertise.

3. Reels (yes, you need them)

Instagram's algorithm heavily favours Reels. You don't need to dance—try:

• Time-lapse of a colour transformation

• Quick styling tips

• "Day in the life" snippets

• Trending sounds with your before/afters

4. Stories for connection

Stories disappear after 24 hours, so they're perfect for:

• Polls ("Which tone for this client?")

• Q&A about hair care

• Sharing client reactions

• Real-time availability updates

5. Client testimonials

Screenshot and share kind DMs or reviews. This is social proof that builds trust.

Posting strategy

Frequency: 3-5 feed posts per week, daily stories Best times: Test, but generally:

• Lunch hours (12-1pm)

• Evening commute (5-7pm)

• Sunday evenings

Batching: Take multiple photos during one session, save for future posts

Hashtag strategy

Hashtags help new clients find you. Use a mix:

Location-based (most important): #aucklandhairstylist #ponsonbysalon #nzhairdresser Service-based: #balayagespecialist #blondespecialist #colourcorrection Trending/niche: #hairgoals #hairtransformation #salonlife

Use 5-10 per post. Put them in the caption or first comment.

Engagement that matters

Posting isn't enough. You need to engage:

Reply to every comment: Even a simple "Thank you! 💕" shows you're active DM first-time engagers: When someone new comments, send a quick thank you DM. Don't sell—just connect. Engage with local accounts: Comment on posts from local businesses, potential referral partners, and ideal clients Feature clients: Tag them in photos (with permission). They'll share it, exposing you to their network.

Common mistakes to avoid

Mistake 1: Posting random photos of hair without context Add captions that tell a story or invite action. Mistake 2: Inconsistent posting Posting 5 times one week, then nothing for a month confuses the algorithm and followers. Mistake 3: Never showing your face People connect with people. Show yourself occasionally. Mistake 4: Ignoring DMs Your DMs are a goldmine of potential clients. Respond within hours, not days. Mistake 5: No call to action Every post should tell people what to do next. "Link in bio to book" is simple but effective.

Measuring success

Track these metrics monthly:

• Follower growth

• Profile visits

• Website clicks (booking link)

• DMs received

• Bookings from "How did you find us?" survey

What you measure improves.

Quick wins to start today

Update your bio with a booking link

Post a before/after with a booking CTA

Reply to your last 10 comments

Add 3 posts to your story today

Research 10 location-based hashtags

The long game

Instagram success doesn't happen overnight. It's consistent effort over months that builds a following of potential clients who already trust you before they walk through your door.

Start today. Post imperfectly. Improve as you go.

Your future clients are scrolling right now. Make sure they find you.